NXT LVL Showcase Day 2 standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second day of the NXT LVL Showcase was held on Saturday in Albany, New York. Check out the standouts from the action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NXT LVL Day 2 BEST XI</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Francisco Benbow","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Westtown School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f04d623e17f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Benbow was solid in goal and his play helped Westtown keep the game close.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["233124"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f04d623e215"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Rutgers commit is a rock in the center back. He was great in the air and in organizing the back line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Mohamed Lamine-Mansare","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"High Mowing","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f04d623e28b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lamine-Mansare had an exceptional game. He ran the back line, stepped up when he needed to, and stepped into channels to break up opponent's attacks. He constantly won balls and was key to High Mowing's victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Juliano Masella","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Choate Rosemary Hall","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f04d623e30d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A native of Montreal, Canada, Masella was solid in the back line and kept Choate organized. His play helped the team to a shutout victory, and he contributed a goal, as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jaksa Vasic","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Hoosac","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f04d623e37e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He has a great mentality, and he is made for tough games like Hoosac's Saturday showdown with Westtown. Vasic is from Serbia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Titouan Itier","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bridgton Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f04d623e3e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The native of France is Bridgton's top prospect. His best friend plays for AS Monaco and scored in a recent top-division match. Saturday wasn't his best performance of the year, but he's a factor in the midfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["233126"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f04d623e44f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For the second day in a row, Gonzalez, the top U17 player in Costa Rica, makes the Best XI. His touch, his speed, and his shot make him a difference-maker. He was the best player on the field in a scoreless clash between Combine and Bridgton Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["84523"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f04d623e490"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ritts was the best player on the field during the Hill-Phillips Exeter clash. He played both ends of the field and delivered a pair of assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Max Born","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Western Reserve Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f04d623e501"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He scored the first goal to set the tone of WRA's win over South Kent School. The native of Uruguay was dangerous all night and he played both the 9 and on the wing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Sophian Lovato","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Phillips Exeter","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f04d623e56b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The uncommitted senior scored twice as Phillips Exeter built a 3-1 lead early. Lovato's finishing was impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["233128"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f04d623e5d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Navy commit scored twice to spark Hill School's 5-3 come-from-behind victory over Phillips Exeter. His holding play was important, and his finishing was on point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">ALSO</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>F: Antony Alexis, High Mowing School (N.H.), '26: Alexis is a big-time prospect from Canada. While he didn't have an outstanding showing, he was a presence throughout and put one shot on target that required a diving save by the Darlington Academy keeper.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LW: Kobe Alphord, Hyde School (Maine), '25: Showed great energy on both sides of the ball. The Canadian also served up great free kicks. His effort was rewarded when he scored a goal in Hyde's victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>F: Martin Alvarado, High Mowing School (N.H.), '26: A native of Chile, Alvarado got into a lot of good spaces to be dangerous throughout the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>M Thatcher Bacon, Kimball Union Academy (N.H.), '26: He was able to command play in the midfield/ He made a lot of things happen for KUA's offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RW: Jaylen Bennett, Phillips Exeter (N.H.), '25: Bennett showed exceptional speed on the wing.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>F Chris Bianco, St. Andrew's School (R.I.), '25: Bianco was persistent and kept fighting, even as St. Andrew's was trailing by multiple goals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CM: Marceau Blanc, Hoosac School (N.Y.), '25: The native of France was effective in scanning the field and getting the ball forward. In addition, he was effective in going into the box.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LW: Caleb Capone, Choate Rosemary Hall, ''25: He was dangerous, driving in on goal. He scored once in Choate's victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>M: Vicente Charlin, South Kent School (Conn.), PG: Charlin, a native of Chile, was able to control the midfield tempo with his passing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>M: Roneba Cordice, Bridgton Academy (Maine), '25: Cordice, from Antigua, was playing his first game with Bridgton after just arriving at the school. His debut was delayed due to visa issues that were recently resolved. He seemed to meld into the team well and his distributions were exceptional.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CD/F: Kevan Dalvand, Bridgton Academy (Maine), '25: The native of Switzerland is a utility player. He started in center back but in a game that finished scoreless, he was moved to the attack in hopes of creating a late goal. His creative play helped up top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>M: Preston Duval, Darlington Academy (Ga.), '26: He's a high-energy player from the Cayman Island who is very technical. He's listed among the best performers for the second straight day. Unfortunately for Darlington, they didn't get him the ball enough for him to make a bigger impact on the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CB: Callum Eager, Westtown School (Pa.), '26: His play in the back kept Westtown in the game against Hoosac School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RW: Tiago Freire Brosseau, Hyde School (Maine), '25: Another of the standout Canadian players at Hyde, Freire Brosseau was fantastic in 1v1 situations. He helped out on defense, as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CM: Jacob Humienny, Avon Old Farms (Conn.), '25: He played the 8 and worked both sides of the ball. He also buried a penalty kick in Avon Old Farms' tie with Kimball Union Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LW/LB: Merek Husack, St. Andrew's College (Canada), '27: Husack played all 90 minutes and was very composed on the ball and controlled the tempo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CB: Michael Madeiros, St. Andrew's College (Canada), '27: The native of Bermuda, Madeiros was strong in tackles and gave the team a lot of confidence in the back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>F/W: Nick Miller, Phillips Exeter (N.H.), '25: Miller is a fierce competitor who delivered a goal and one assist for Exeter on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>AM: Leo Miranda, Avon Old Farms (Conn.), '26: He was dangerous in the attacking third. He took on players and created a lot of chances while playing the 10.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>M: Sagar Patel, Western Reserve Academy (Ohio), '25: His calmness on the ball allowed Western Reserve to play through the thirds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>M: Jared Pena, Western Reserve Academy (Ohio), '25: The Philippines youth national team player was making his first appearance in two months since getting injured with the national team. He gave WRA a boost in energy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CB Breyden Perez, St. Andrew's School (R.I.), 26: Perez made good decisions defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CB: Holden Pettinelli, Lawrenceville Prep (N.J.), '26: Pettinelli was a late addition to Lawrenceville Prep's roster for the event. An injury to a teammate opened a spot for Pettinelli, and he delivered a strong performance as a center back. He was very strong on challenges and won a lot of balls in the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CB: Tomas Prieto, South Kent School (Conn.), '25: He was very solid at winning tackles and clearing balls. The native of Chile was good at distribution.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CM: Joey Scalia, Hyde School (Maine), '25: The Canadian native showed great energy for all 90 minutes. His intensity also led him to be fouled often.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CDM/LW: Jake Thomas, Hill School (Pa.), '25: The Bucknell commit demonstrated his versatility, starting the game as a defensive mid, and when Hill needed offense, he was moved to the left wing. He responded with a goal as Hill rallied for a win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>GK: Marco Valentir, Kimball Union Academy (N.H.), '26: He was good at organizing the defense. He was strong in goal and even saved a penalty kick as KUA tied Avon Old Farms.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>F Joaquin Wladdimiro, South Kent School (Conn.), '25: Although Wladdimiro did not score, he was a presence throughout the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>M: Daniel Zumbado, Combine Academy (N.C.), '26. Another standout from Costa Rica on the Combine squad, Zumbado controlled the center of the park. His play neutralized Bridgton's star play Titouan Itier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->